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30 Best Black Female Singers of the 90s

The 1990s marked a remarkable era in music history, particularly for black female singers who truly left an indelible mark on the industry. With their extraordinary talent, powerful voices, and distinctive styles, these women shattered records, broke boundaries, and inspired generations to come.

From the unstoppable force of Whitney Houston to the inimitable presence of Mary J. Blige, the 1990s gave rise to a truly remarkable group of black female artists.

In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane to celebrate and recognize the 30 best black female singers of the 1990s, whose groundbreaking contributions continue to resonate with audiences even today.

1. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston is widely regarded as one of the greatest female singers of all time. Her powerful voice, range, and emotional delivery brought her immense success in the music industry. She achieved numerous chart-topping hits, including “I Will Always Love You” and “Greatest Love of All.” Houston’s career spanned over three decades, during which she sold over 200 million records worldwide. She won multiple Grammy Awards, including six in a single night, and became one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Tragically, Houston passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of incredible talent and unforgettable music.

2. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is a singer, songwriter, and producer known for her five-octave vocal range and melismatic singing style. She rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like “Vision of Love” and “Hero.” Carey has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists in history. Throughout her career, she has won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards, 19 World Music Awards, and 15 Billboard Music Awards. Apart from her commercial success, Carey is also known for her philanthropy work and activism.

3. Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who gained prominence in the 1990s with her distinctive contralto voice. She achieved commercial success with her self-titled debut album, which produced hit singles such as “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” Braxton’s career continued to flourish with subsequent albums, earning her multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Throughout her career, Braxton has sold over 70 million records worldwide and has received critical acclaim for her soulful and emotive performances.

4. Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige is a singer, songwriter, and actress who became known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” Her unique blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop elements revolutionized the music industry. Blige’s powerful vocals and raw, emotional lyrics resonated with audiences, earning her iconic status. She has received numerous accolades, including nine Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, and numerous Billboard Music Awards. Blige’s discography includes hits like “Real Love,” “Family Affair,” and “No More Drama,” and she has sold over 80 million records worldwide.

5. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is a singer, songwriter, and pianist known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. She burst onto the scene in 2001 with her debut album, “Songs in A Minor,” which was a critical and commercial success. Keys’ unique blend of R&B, soul, and pop influences earned her several hit singles, including “Fallin'” and “If I Ain’t Got You.” Throughout her career, Keys has won numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards. She is also a philanthropist and activist, raising awareness and supporting various social causes, including HIV/AIDS prevention and education.

6. Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson is a singer, songwriter, and actress who first gained fame as part of the Jackson family dynasty but quickly established herself as a successful solo artist. With her distinctive voice and provocative dance moves, Jackson became a pop icon in the 1980s and 1990s. She had numerous hit songs, including “Rhythm Nation,” “That’s the Way Love Goes,” and “Together Again.” Jackson’s talent extended beyond music, as she also ventured into acting and made notable contributions to philanthropic and humanitarian causes. She has won multiple Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards throughout her career.

7. Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill is a singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress known for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics. She rose to prominence as a member of the hip-hop trio The Fugees before launching a highly successful solo career. Hill’s debut solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” remains a landmark in music history, earning her numerous accolades including five Grammy Awards. She infused elements of R&B, soul, and hip-hop into her music, addressing topics such as love, race, and spirituality. Hill’s impact on the music industry and her ability to blend genres have made her a legendary figure in contemporary music.

8. TLC (Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas)

TLC is an American girl group that rose to prominence in the 1990s with their blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop music. T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli captivated audiences with their unique vocal styles and dynamic performances. Their breakthrough album, “CrazySexyCool,” became one of the best-selling girl group albums of all time, featuring hit singles like “Waterfalls” and “Creep.”The trio became known for their bold and empowering lyrics, addressing topics such as safe sex, self-confidence, and independence. TLC’s success continued with subsequent albums, earning them four Grammy Awards and selling over 65 million records worldwide. Tragically, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes passed away in 2002, but the legacy of TLC and its impact on the music industry remains undeniable.

9. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, often referred to as the “Queen of Soul,” was a legendary singer, songwriter, and pianist. Her powerful and soulful voice, combined with her ability to infuse emotion into every note, solidified her status as one of the greatest singers in history. Franklin’s career spanned over six decades, during which she achieved numerous chart-topping hits including “Respect,” “Think,” and “Natural Woman.” She received 18 Grammy Awards and became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Franklin’s influence on contemporary music and her contributions to civil rights movements have left an indelible mark on the industry and beyond.

10. Brandy

Brandy Norwood, known simply as Brandy, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained recognition in the 1990s with her self-titled debut album, which featured the hit singles “I Wanna Be Down” and “Baby.” Brandy’s smooth vocals, R&B-infused sound, and soulful ballads established her as a prominent figure in the music industry. Throughout her career, she released several successful albums and singles, including “The Boy Is Mine” with Monica, which became one of the best-selling duets of all time. Brandy has won several awards, including a Grammy Award, and continues to create music and take on acting roles.

11. Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu, also known as the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” is a singer, songwriter, and actress known for her distinct voice and eclectic musical style. Badu’s music blends elements of R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and funk, creating a unique sound that defies traditional genre classifications. Her debut album, “Baduizm,” catapulted her to success and included the hit single “On & On.” Badu’s introspective lyrics and soulful performances have earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. She has received multiple Grammy Awards and has become an influential figure in both music and social activism.

12. Faith Evans

Faith Evans is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. She gained fame in the 1990s as one of the leading voices in the R&B and soul genre. Evans entered the music scene as the first female artist signed to Sean “Diddy” Combs’s label, Bad Boy Records. Her debut album, “Faith,” produced the chart-topping single “Soon as I Get Home.” With her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Evans continued to release successful albums throughout her career, including the critically acclaimed “The First Lady.” She has won several awards, including a Grammy Award for her collaboration with Puff Daddy and 112 on the tribute song “I’ll Be Missing You.”

13. Aaliyah

Aaliyah Haughton, known simply as Aaliyah, was an American singer, actress, and model. She began her career in the early 1990s and quickly gained recognition for her smooth vocals and sultry R&B sound. Aaliyah released several successful albums, including “One in a Million” and “Aaliyah,” which spawned hit singles like “Are You That Somebody?” and “Rock the Boat.” Her unique style and groundbreaking music videos, choreographed by renowned artist Missy Elliott, set her apart in the music industry. Tragically, Aaliyah’s life was cut short in 2001 when she died in a plane crash at the age of 22. Despite her short career, Aaliyah’s impact on R&B and her influence on subsequent artists cannot be overstated. Her music continues to be celebrated and her legacy lives on.

14. En Vogue (Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, Rhona Bennett, Maxine Jones, Dawn Robinson)

En Vogue is an American R&B and pop vocal group known for their harmonies, style, and sophisticated image. The group achieved immense success in the 1990s with hit songs like “Hold On,” “Free Your Mind,” and “Don’t Let Go (Love).” En Vogue’s smooth blend of R&B and pop influences, coupled with their powerful vocals, helped redefine contemporary female groups in the industry. Despite lineup changes throughout the years, the group continued to create music and tour, solidifying their status as one of the most successful girl groups of all time.

15. Kelis

Kelis Rogers, known as Kelis, is an American singer, songwriter, and chef. She burst onto the music scene in 1999 with her debut album, “Kaleidoscope,” which featured the hit single “Caught Out There.” Kelis’ unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, alternative, and soul music garnered attention and critical acclaim. She continued to release successful albums, including “Tasty” and “Flesh Tone,” which featured popular tracks like “Milkshake” and “Acapella.” Kelis’ innovative sound and bold fashion choices made her a trailblazer in the industry. In addition to her music career, Kelis is also a trained chef and has released a cookbook. Her ability to excel in multiple creative pursuits has solidified her status as a multidimensional artist.

16. Anita Baker

Anita Baker is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Known for her smooth and soulful voice, she became a prominent figure in the R&B and adult contemporary genres. Baker’s music often explored themes of love and relationships, and her emotionally charged performances captivated audiences worldwide. Some of her most popular songs include “Sweet Love,” “Giving You the Best That I Got,” and “Caught Up in the Rapture.” Throughout her career, Baker won multiple Grammy Awards and earned a dedicated fan base.

17. Sade

Sade, whose full name is Helen Adu, is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. With her band, also called Sade, she gained international recognition for her distinct blend of soul, R&B, and jazz music. Sade’s smooth vocals and elegant stage presence contributed to her success, and her songs like “Smooth Operator,” “No Ordinary Love,” and “The Sweetest Taboo” became timeless classics. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards.

18. Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle is an American singer, actress, and entrepreneur. She began her career as the lead singer of the group Labelle, known for their hit song “Lady Marmalade.” LaBelle later embarked on a solo career and became known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. She is often referred to as the “Godmother of Soul.” LaBelle’s songs, such as “On My Own,” “If Only You Knew,” and “New Attitude,” showcased her range and versatility. Over the course of her career, LaBelle has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been honored with numerous accolades for her contribution to music.

19. Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She first gained fame as the lead vocalist of Gladys Knight & the Pips, who delivered hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye).” Knight’s soulful voice and powerful performances made her a respected figure in the music industry. She later embarked on a successful solo career, releasing songs like “That’s What Friends Are For” and “Love Overboard.” Knight has won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

20. Angie Stone

Angie Stone is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Stone started her career as a member of the female hip-hop trio The Sequence before venturing into a solo career. Her music blends elements of R&B, soul, and hip-hop, and she is known for her rich and powerful vocals. Stone’s songs, such as “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Brotha,” showcase her unique style and heartfelt lyrics. Throughout her career, Stone has received several award nominations, including Grammy nominations, and has collaborated with various artists in the industry.

21. Deborah Cox

Deborah Cox is a Canadian singer and songwriter. She gained recognition in the 1990s with her hit single “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here,” which topped the charts and became a crossover success. Cox’s powerful and soulful voice has enabled her to delve into various genres, including R&B, pop, and dance music. She has released multiple successful albums and has collaborated with artists like Whitney Houston and R.L. Her talent has earned her numerous award nominations and a loyal fanbase.

22. Monica

Monica is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She began her career at a young age and quickly rose to prominence with her debut album, which included popular songs such as “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)” and “Before You Walk Out of My Life.” Monica’s soulful voice and emotive performances have made her a respected figure in the R&B genre.

Over the years, she has released multiple successful albums and has collaborated with artists like Brandy, Missy Elliott, and Usher. Monica has received numerous award nominations, including Grammy nominations, and continues to release music that resonates with her fans.

23. SWV (Sisters With Voices)

SWV, which stands for Sisters With Voices, is an American R&B vocal group composed of three members: Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Leanne “Lelee” Lyons, and Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George. They rose to fame in the early 1990s with their debut album, which featured hit songs like “Right Here,” “I’m So into You,” and “Weak.” SWV’s harmonious vocals and sultry R&B sound made them one of the most successful female groups of the era. They have released several albums throughout their career and have continued to perform and tour.

24. Xscape

Xscape is an R&B group that emerged in the 1990s. The group was formed in Atlanta, Georgia, by sisters LaTocha and Tamika Scott, along with Kandi Burruss and Tameka “Tiny” Cottle. They quickly gained popularity with their soulful harmonies and catchy melodies.

The album also achieved platinum status and further solidified Xscape’s place in the R&B music scene. Despite their success, Xscape faced internal conflicts and decided to disband in 1998.

27. Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. She rose to prominence in the 1990s through her innovative approach to music, blending hip-hop, R&B, and electronic sounds. Known for her eccentric style and creative music videos, Missy Elliott became one of the most influential artists in the industry. Missy Elliott’s eccentric fashion choices and groundbreaking music videos also caught the public’s attention, solidifying her status as a trendsetter.

28. Kelly Price

Kelly Price is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. She first gained fame in the 1990s for her powerful and soulful vocals, often being compared to legendary voices such as Whitney Houston and Patti LaBelle. Price has released several successful albums throughout her career and is known for her R&B and gospel-infused sound. In addition to her solo work, she has collaborated with various artists including Mariah Carey, R. Kelly, and The Notorious B.I.G. Price has also made appearances on reality television shows such as “R&B Divas: Los Angeles.” She continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry and is praised for her powerful and emotive performances.

29. Destiny’s Child

Destiny’s Child was a highly influential R&B group formed in Houston, Texas, in 1990. The group initially consisted of Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett. Their early success came with the release of their self-titled debut album in 1998, which spawned hits like “No, No, No” and “With Me.”

However, it was their sophomore album, “The Writing’s on the Wall” (1999), that truly catapulted Destiny’s Child into mainstream success. The record featured iconic songs like “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Say My Name,” which won them their first Grammy Award.

30. Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress. She first gained fame as a member of the hip-hop group The Fugees before venturing into a successful solo career. Hill’s debut solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” is widely regarded as a classic and explores themes of love, spirituality, and personal struggle. Hits like “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor” showcased Hill’s soulful and passionate delivery. Throughout her career, Hill has won multiple Grammy Awards and has influenced a generation of artists with her artistic integrity and honest storytelling.

All in all, the 1990s was a decade marked by an extraordinary wave of talented black female singers who left an indelible mark on the music industry. These women broke boundaries, challenged norms, and pushed the limits of creativity, fusing soul, R&B, hip-hop, and pop to create unique and powerful musical expressions.

Whether it was the empowering anthems of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, the raw authenticity of Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, or the vibrant energy of TLC and Destiny’s Child, these artists captivated audiences with their exceptional vocal abilities, stellar performances, and meaningful lyrics. Each singer contributed to the cultural landscape of the 1990s and beyond, inspiring countless artists and leaving an enduring legacy.